Medtronic

Medtronic, Inc. based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., is a leading maker of biomedical devices that get implanted into the human body. According to Hoovers, "the company makes defibrillators and pacemakers that help the heart beat normally. Subsidiary Medtronic Sofamor Danek makes spinal implant devices, and its neurological division makes neurostimulation devices and products that treat urinary incontinence."

In 2007, sales were US$12.3 billion with profits of US$2.8 billion. Top competitors are Boston Scientific, Johnson & Johnson, and St. Jude Medical.

Public relations
Medtronic has used the services of the online advocacy and public relations company Grassroots Enterprise, which boasts former Clinton White House Press Secretary Mike McCurry and Randy Tate, of the Christian Coalition, as board members (according to Grassroot Enterprise's web site).

Medtronic has also worked with PR firm Ketchum. 

Political contributions
Medtronic gave $339,558 to federal candidates in the 2006 election through its political action committee - 41% to Democrats, 57% to Republicans, and 2% to independent Joseph Lieberman (I-CT).

Lobbying
The company spent $1,360,000 for lobbying in 2006. $513,000 went to four lobbying firms including Dutko Worldwide and Ernst & Young.

Personnel
Key executives and 2007 pay:
 * William A. Hawkins, Chief Executive Officer, $4,412,312
 * Michael F. Demane, Chief Operating Officer, $4,581,891 (also exercised $1,298,252 in options)
 * Stephen H. Mahle, Senior Healthcare Policy Advisor, $3,936,710
 * Gary Ellis, Chief Financial Officer, $2,018,258

Selected members of the Board of Directors:
 * Arthur D. Collins, Jr., Chairman of the Board, $11,500,630 (2006)
 * James T. Lenehan, Former Vice Chairman and President of Johnson & Johnson
 * Kendall J. Powell, Also Chief Executive Officer, General Mills
 * Shirley Ann Jackson, Also Director of Federal Express Corporation, Marathon Oil Corporation, and IBM Corporation
 * Richard H. Anderson, Also Chief Executive Officer, Delta Air Lines

Former:
 * William W. George - former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Medtronic.

Contact details
710 Medtronic Parkway Minneapolis, MN 55432 Phone: 763-514-4000 Fax: 763-514-4879 Web: http://www.medtronic.com